 |
 |
|||||
 |
|
 |
||||
|
Feliz Navidad! Or Bom Natal if you're in Brazil. Or Joyeuse Noël if you're in Haiti. Or if you're north of the equator and don't know too much about how Christmas is celebrated on the south side, then you're in the right place. We'll take a look at some of the customs and festivities that occur in several Latin American countries around Christmas day.
Music Listen to some Latin American Christmas music from the Circle of Light CD while you read on:
Brazil As in many other South American countries, Christmas arrives at the hottest time of the year in Brazil. Summertime activities abound, and firecrackers are a big part of the Christmas celebrations. The family prepares a meal called a cena which precedes an evening of festivities such as carols and dancing. Before bedtime, children lay out their shoes for Papa Noël (Santa Claus) to fill with gifts.
Chile In Chile Santa Claus is known as Viejo Pascuero, and as elsewhere travels through the sky with his reindeer to bring gifts to the children. In the small town of Andacollo they hold a special ceremony for the Virgin. A statue of the Virgin is dressed in a gold laced robe as performers dressed in colorful costumes honor her through dance and special rituals.
Venezuela In the capitol city of Caracas, a special Mass is held on Christmas Eve. At midnight, young people from all over the city arrive on their roller skates, welcomed by joyous music. They all skate together and a Christmas service is held. Afterwards, they depart to their houses and families to enjoy hallacas, the traditional Christmas meal of spiced meat pie with a cornmeal crust.
|
 |
Navidad Menu
MAIN NAVIDAD PAGE
|
||||
|
|
||||||
circolite@earthlink.net